Macron: France not intimidated by Russian threats, orders plan to protect critical infrastructure

Following a meeting at the Élysée Palace lasting more than three hours with party leaders and presidential candidates, the Head of State spoke around midday on Friday to address the threats facing France amid Russian threats and the intensifying energy crisis.

Russian Hybrid Threats

Emmanuel Macron stated that "the Russian hybrid threat against Europeans and France has intensified" in recent weeks. He announced that he had asked the government to prepare a "plan to protect our critical infrastructure" against "Russian hybrid attacks."

Energy Crisis

Regarding rising fuel and gas prices, the President recalled that this situation is due "entirely to wars" and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that this inflation in energy prices "will continue to shape the country's life in the coming weeks."

Macron also announced that France will convene a G7 summit on energy and intends to refer the matter to the European Commission to accelerate work on gas storage at the European level.

Role During the Presidential Campaign

Emmanuel Macron stated that it is his "duty to carry out exercises in transparency," such as the one conducted at the Élysée, and that he must act as a "guarantor" but not as a "commentator on political life."

Press Conference Highlights

On Public Debate and Price Surges

In response to a final question, Macron reiterated: "Public debate must not focus as if the surge in prices were solely the result of domestic national decisions. That is not true."

He added: "It was not French or European action that led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz," while assuring that the government "is acting" within its sphere of influence to mitigate the consequences.

On Deterrence and Russia

Macron described the situation as "serious" and a moment of "vigilance." Regarding retaliation, he stated:

"The essence of deterrence is not to provide visibility into what we will do. But it will not go unanswered. And I think it would be a mistake on Russia's part to continue acting towards Europeans in this manner."

He concluded: "The intent behind this is to intimidate us and to break the effort to support Ukrainians. The consequence will be the opposite. We are not intimidated because we know that our security today and tomorrow is being played out in Ukraine."

On Social Unrest and the "Yellow Vests"

A journalist asked the President to analyze the country's social situation and the threats of new movements similar to the "Yellow Vests." Macron responded that he is "in solidarity" with mobilized French citizens who feel the consequences of international crises "in their flesh." However, he called on them to "remain united."

He assured: "You have a government working hard, aware of what the country is going through," once again hinting that pump prices are, according to him, "not the result of government actions."

On Government Support

Macron began answering journalists' questions by acknowledging: "The situation is very difficult and worrying for many families," recalling that national announcements will be implemented by the Prime Minister.

He stated: "We have protected the French people greatly, much more than elsewhere in Europe," referring both to the Covid-19 health crisis and the Russian aggression in Ukraine. However, he insisted: "Today, we also have a responsibility regarding public finances," recalling his approach: "To mobilize to obtain peace and the reopening of [maritime] routes," then to mobilize "to secure" the country.

Emmanuel Macron's press conference has ended.